Delhi LG Criticizes AAP Government for Delay in Tabling CAG Reports

Delhi LG VK Saxena has criticized the AAP government for delaying the submission of 11 CAG reports in the state's legislative assembly. The reports pertain to state finances, pollution, and liquor regulation, among others. Saxena has approached both the Delhi Assembly Speaker and CM Arvind Kejriwal for urgent action.

Delhi Lieutenant General VK Saxena has criticized the AAP government for its significant delay in tabling 11 Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reports before the Delhi Legislative Assembly, according to an official release issued on Friday.

An official press note from the Delhi LG's office stated, 'The AAP government in Delhi is sitting over 11 CAG reports. LG VK Saxena has flagged the inordinate delay by the AAP government in laying these reports in the Delhi Assembly.' The pending reports cover various critical areas, including state finances, pollution mitigation, liquor regulation, public sector undertakings, and social and general sectors.

Of particular note is the CAG Report on 'Performance Audit on Regulation and Supply of Liquor in Delhi' for 2017-18 to 2021-22, which has been pending with Finance Minister Atishi Marlena since April 11, 2024. This report is especially crucial given the controversy surrounding the AAP government's excise policy, which was later scrapped amid corruption allegations.

The Controller of Accounts, GNCTD, informed the LG Secretariat on July 18, 2024, that all aforementioned CAG reports are with Finance Minister Atishi Marlena. LG Saxena has written to Delhi Assembly Speaker Ram Niwas Goel, urging that these reports be tabled in the Assembly at the earliest.

On February 22, 2024, LG Saxena also wrote to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal regarding the delayed CAG reports, asking him to 'advise the Finance Minister to expeditiously lay them before the Assembly.' According to the official note, it is a constitutional requirement to table the CAG reports as per Article 151 of the Constitution of India, the Government of NCT of Delhi Act, 1991, and the Regulations on Audit and Accounts, 2007.

'By not laying the CAG Reports in the Delhi Legislative Assembly, the Delhi Government is avoiding scrutiny by the Legislative Assembly and the public at large, undermining the very basis of democratic accountability,' the LG's note stated, describing the delay as a 'gross dereliction of their constitutional obligations.'

Previously, the AAP government had also delayed the tabling of other CAG reports, including those related to the performance of Delhi Jal Board and private power discoms, leading to further criticism from the LG.